Competition for vacancies within the various agencies is high, with the daily reception of huge amount of applications. Applicants need to think about why they want to work in this field; which particular organisations they are interested in working in and how they will communicate effectively what they have to offer a particular organisation. The following tips are designed to help applicants make successful applications within this highly competitive environment.
Some organisations agencies require cover letters with their application forms, while others require only cover notes. As these may be the only part of the application that may be scanned or read, it is particularly important that the applicant maximise the opportunity to market their skills and competencies to have impact on the reader. When structuring your cover letter you may want to think about the following:
Although they have diverse working cultures, most organisations expect an ‘Anglo-Saxon’ style of CV.
There isn’t one way to write a good CV but it should typically include the following:
Competencies can be defined as personal attributes or underlining characteristics, which combined with technical or professional skills, enable the delivery of a role/job or posting. Competencies state the expected areas and levels of performance, tell us what is valued and rewarded.
Many organisations publish their staff competency framework. For example is the UN Core Competencies.
The use of competencies in the work place has become more and more widespread therefore if you are applying for a post, it is important that you are aware of your core competencies as well as the skills and experience that you can bring to any post. Competencies allow you to demonstrate that you have the qualifications and experience required for the as well showing that you meet the stated competencies identified for that job. It also needs to be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses and any lessons learned from personal and work experience.
Networking skills are an important and helpful part of effective job searching. Gathering information and gaining understanding of various agencies and organisations through developing professional networks can make the difference in getting specific and up to date information on fields or areas of interest, and can lead to making focused and successful applications in your areas of choice.
To maximise the benefits of networking it should be planned. It is important to become familiar with the different resources you can draw upon. Networking should also be an on going part of your career development and progression. To build an effective network, you need both formal and informal networks in place. Consider what kinds of people you may want in your network. A good network contains both types and has a balanced mix of both the business and social who can help you reach your goals. Make a list of the people who you want to include in your network and then add other possibilities. Think about how you will contact people you would like to include in your network, such as, face to face, by phone or letter etc. If possible set a timetable to achieve your goals. This will help you stay focused and your more likely to make contacts.
While networking can be challenging and require effort the rewards can be worth it.
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